The Muscatine Fire Department (MFD) has unveiled a new ambulance, making it the department’s first major redesign in over 15 years, a press release states. Built by Feld Fire, the vehicle has been in production since 2023. The first unit is set to go into service after the final round of finishing touches the week of July 20.
Fire mechanic Mike Collins shares that all MFD ambulances have been built the same, and this is the first set of ambulances to have a completely different design. The aim is to increase efficiency for EMS and care for patients.
Squad 355 is a Wheeled Coach Type III featuring an updated interior layout design and a newly constructed IV supply tower. Some of the advanced features are a Powerload System which automates lifting, lowering, and loading of stretchers and a monitor on a swivel base so that medics can monitor the patient while buckled into their seats.
Chief Gary Ronzheimer confirmed that the vehicle upgrade is a major step forward in safety and functionality. It is set to replace the department’s oldest ambulance which is a 2016 Ford E450 Type III.
